Jenelle N. Boo, Ph.D.
Staff Psychologist, Coordinator of Sexual Assault Response Services

I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. I attended Ball State University for my graduate studies, receiving a terminal Master's degree in Counseling followed by an APA accredited doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology with a focus on Couple and Family Therapy. On the way to obtaining my Ph.D., I completed an APA accredited pre-doctoral internship at Illinois State University's Student Counseling Services.

I approach counseling from an interpersonal perspective, specifically meaning that I place value on significant relationships in client's lives, including the therapeutic relationship. I believe that important and lasting change can occur through the bond of a strong therapeutic alliance. In my work with clients, I primarily draw on interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral and feminist interventions. Although I have experience in providing counseling services to clients with many different kinds of presenting issues, I particularly enjoy working with clients who are experiencing concerns related to attachment, family of origin, interpersonal trauma, spirituality, and women's issues. As a professional in the field of counseling psychology, I am also passionate about the training and supervision of counselor trainees.

Finally, as the C&SDC's coordinator of sexual assault response services, I look forward to bringing my years of experience working with survivors on two different college campuses to meet the needs of JMU students.

Shirley Cobb, M.A.,
Licensed Professional Counselor
Associate Director and Clinical Director

I received my MA in counseling at Eastern Kentucky University in 1975 and began work at the Madison College Counseling Center (now the JMU Counseling and Student Development Center) as counselor and educational skills development coordinator.

In 1985, my duties at the JMU CSDC included only clinical work, consultation and outreach and liaison with the lake area of residence hall staff. In the late 1980's I returned to graduate school at the University of Virginia and earned 27 hours in and between the various UVA counseling curriculums. Between 1989-91 I served as interim director of the CSDC during some major staff changes in this center and the Division of Student Affairs; I have been associate director/clinical director since 1991.

At times over the years, my interests in working with students have shifted to various issues such as stress management and holistic approaches to working with victims of sexual assault/incest and PTSD. As a counselor I consider myself to be psychodynamic/relationship oriented. Many of the precepts of solution-oriented counseling I find useful and compelling; however, I usually conceptualize client issues in terms of object relations theory. Currently, in addition to counseling populations, I am interested in developing more expeditious, integrated (with student development and other services in the university), non-traditional service delivery to students with presenting concerns in the JMU CSDC

Marian Cornelius
Administrative Assistant

I grew up in Northern Virginia and attended Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. I worked for AT&T in Washington, D.C. for approximately 5 years and then was a stay at home mom for quite a few years.

I began working for JMU in the Counseling & Student Development Center in August 1995. As an Administrative Assistant, I provide support to the Director and the Counseling Staff while providing essential customer service to the students, faculty and the JMU community. I also assist with the day to day operation of the Center.

On a personal note, I enjoy cooking, gardening, traveling, auctions and visiting family and friends.

Nina Critz, M.S.
Case Manager

I am thrilled to be part of the CSDC staff and so excited to be serving in the new case manager position! I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Radford University where I had an incredible experience of personal and intellectual development. Through my internships and professional opportunities I have worked with clients across the lifespan in a variety of settings, though my passion lies in working with the college student population. Developmentally this is an exciting time of self understanding and exploration, however, it is also a period in life when many students struggle with mental health concerns. Through the therapeutic relationship, combined with education of understanding and strategies, it is my desire to plant seeds of hope and recovery in each student who is struggling with a mental health issue. As case manager I also provide students with the support and advocacy that they may need in navigating various campus and community resources.

Although I am a New Yorker (state, not city!) at heart, it is wonderful to call Harrisonburg home. I look forward to exploring the gorgeous outdoors, especially the mountains and waterfalls. I also enjoy attempts at being domestic as well as spending time traveling, reading intriguing books, going on adventures, enjoying delicious foods and being active in the community. Above all, I treasure my time and relationships with loved ones.

Patricia K. W. Crocker, Ph.D.
Post-doctoral Psychology Resident

Born and raised in Henderson, Kentucky, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. I completed one term as an AmeriCorps NCCC volunteer in the southeast region after graduation before pursuing both my MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from University of Rhode Island. As part of my graduate training, I have worked with individuals across the age span in both traditional outpatient and partial hospital levels of care. I was a graduate assistant with URI's Counseling Center and also provided mental health services through an urban community health center, a private practice, and multiple outpatient settings. In August, I completed my pre-doctoral internship with Princeton House Behavioral Health in Princeton, NJ where I specialized in women's issues and trauma treatment using Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I consider myself particularly interested in women's and gender issues, sexual victimization, and trauma. My approach to counseling is often cognitive-behavioral; however, I consider my orientation integrated.

Rob Fasman, Ph.D.
Staff Psychologist, Liaison to Athletics Department

I was born in Russia, and I feel fortunate that my family was able to immigrate to the US when I was two years old. I grew up in Queens, NY and northeast New Jersey, and majored in Biopsychology at The University of Michigan. I then continued to travel westward and completed a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a focus on health psychology at Arizona State University. I zigzagged across the country a few more times, completing my internship at The University of Maine Counseling Center and returning to ASU for my postdoctoral residency. I'm happy to be on this side of the country again and am thrilled to be surrounded by mountains here in the Shenandoah Valley. I'm passionate about various sports and nature activities, music, and issues of social and environmental justice.

I find working with students highly rewarding, and I believe the university setting provides a valuable opportunity to think about who we are, how we came to be that way, what we want to build on, and what we may want to change. My primary areas of interest include: wellness and stress management, mindfulness, anxiety and mood concerns, performance enhancement (for athletes and non-athletes), adjustment and identity concerns, evolutionary psychology, existential psychology, and group therapy.

Francis
Animal Therapist

Francis, a Border Collie mix, specializes in petting therapy. He was rescued from Harrisonburg SPCA and underwent training to become an animal therapist. He works in group and individual therapy sessions and is frequently found under the psychiatrist's desk. He loves to meet new people, but definitely loves to be petted (especially on the belly). He is also affectionate and gives out many kisses. When not working, he can be found chasing squirrels or rabbits, napping in a sunny spot, or evading his owner.

Rachel Friendly, Ph.D.
Staff Counselor, Coordinator of International Student Services

I am originally from Toronto, Canada, but moved to Southern California when I was 11 years old. In an effort to escape the perfect California weather, I moved to Massachusetts for college, and received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Tufts University and my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Clark University. I completed my doctoral training as a predoctoral intern at James Madison University's Counseling and Student Development Center, and I liked it so much that I didn't want to leave - I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to join the staff on a permanent basis!

I believe that our interpersonal context is vitally important to our wellbeing. As a counselor, I therefore tend to be most influenced by interpersonal and client-centered approaches to therapy, but I also integrate elements of behavioral theory into my work. I truly enjoy working with college students, and am especially interested in identity development, interpersonal processes, mindfulness and acceptance based treatment, group therapy, animal assisted therapy, and working with couples.

David Gillette
Office Manager

I was born in Suffolk, VA and moved to the Shenandoah Valley with my family when I was 12. I have a certificate in supervision from Blue Ridge Community College and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Organizational Development from Eastern Mennonite University. Since my interests include health and personal wellness, I have also obtained certifications in CPR and AED as well as a Personal Trainer Certification from the American Council on Exercise.

I joined the counseling and student development center in October of 2009 and very much enjoy my job. While at JMU I have had the opportunity to increase my understanding of self awareness and expand my knowledge of business management by attending a diverse range of professional development courses.

While not in the office my interests include riding my motorcycle through the beautiful mountains of the Shenandoah Valley, spending time with my family and going on vacations, especially to the beach or Vegas. I enjoy being consumed by a great book, working out at the gym, and anything to do with being outside in the summer. I also love college football and enjoy playing golf.

Sylvia Hanna, M.S.
Pre-Doctoral Intern

I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech. After completing my undergraduate degree, I moved to Baltimore, MD to pursue a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at Loyola University Maryland. During my time at Loyola, I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology in 2009 and anticipate completing my doctoral degree in 2012.

Throughout my training, I have had the opportunity to work with many different populations in various settings (i.e., community mental health, college counseling center, group private practice). After having all of these experiences, I have come to realize that my passion is working with young adults, particularly in a university counseling center setting. In my work with clients, I strive to provide a warm and supportive environment for exploring their thoughts and feelings. I view therapy as a collaborative process and enjoy helping individuals arrive at solutions that fit for them and their lives. I value the therapeutic relationship as an avenue to understanding the individual's outside relationships. Some of my clinical interests include working with trauma survivors, those struggling with disordered eating and body image concerns, and interpersonal relationship difficulties. In addition, being a first-generation Egyptian immigrant, I have an interest in working with diversity issues, particularly culture and spirituality.

Rebecca Heselmeyer, M.A., Ed.S.
Staff Counselor

I was born and raised in Houston Texas, enjoying the Texas coast, city life, and countryside. I did my undergraduate work at Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas) where I played soccer and was a member of SPURS sorority. After graduating with a BA in Psychology, I moved back to Houston and spent four years working as a Family Home Specialist at Lutheran Social Services, a foster care and adoption agency. In August 2006 I heard JMU's call, which was loud enough for me to leave my home state and relocate to Harrisonburg, VA. I completed my counseling practicum at Counseling and Psychological Services and my counseling externship here at the CSDC. I graduated with my MA and EdS degrees from JMU in May 2009 and was fortunate to join the CSDC staff as a Counseling Resident.

I love domestic and foreign travel and have been able to merge this interest with my studies, traveling to the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, and India for coursework. Other interests include soccer, tennis, running, reading, time with family and friends, cooking, and enjoying the great outdoors. Still strong in my love for Texas, I have found a wonderful home away from home in Virginia.

Donielle Janow, Psy.D.
Staff Psychologist

I grew up in Winchester, VA. I received my B.S. in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. After graduation I moved to the Washington, DC where I began working with children with autism. While I was in DC, I obtained my Psy.D at George Washington University in Clinical Psychology. As part of my doctoral training I worked at Maya Angelou's Public Charter School, George Washington University's Center Clinic, and Children's National Medical Center, where I provided individual and group psychotherapy, comprehensive psychological assessments, and consultation. I returned to the Valley in 2005 to complete my pre-doctoral internship and Post-Doctoral Residency in Psychology at the CSDC.

While at JMU I have had an opportunity to pursue several of my areas of specialized interest outside the counseling center including working with multicultural students at the Center for Multicultural Student Services, teaching in the Undergraduate Psychology Department, and providing assessments for Counseling and Psychological Services. My other areas of clinical interest include women's issues, adjustment issues, PTSD/trauma recovery, and self-identity issues.

Counseling, to me, is an interactive learning process in which we will work together to help you find a clearer understanding of yourself, your interactions, and your relationships with others. Our goal as we work together is to help you increase your level of satisfaction in your life, with yourself, and in your relationships with others.

Outside of work I love spending time with my family and visiting friends. I enjoy the theater, football, traveling, and cooking.

Kara Michelle Karr, M.A., Ed.S.
Staff Counselor
Supervisor of Undergraduate Program Assistants
Coordinator of the Certificate Programs

I received my MA and EdS in Community Agency Counseling from JMU in 1993. I then went on to become licensed as a professional counselor in Virginia. While I was completing my graduate training at JMU I had the good fortune of interning here at the Counseling and Student Development Center. I enjoyed my counseling work with college students so much that I continued part-time counseling here even as I took on the role of JMU Coordinator of Disability Services. Three years later as I prepared to give birth to my first child, Mia Christina, I resigned as the Coordinator of Disability Services and stayed on here at the CSDC. I immensely enjoy my work here and plan on continuing my part-time schedule indefinitely as I now have a second child, Tessa.

Prior to my employment at JMU, I served as an Adult Protective Services Social Worker for Shenandoah County, providing case management and investigating complaints of abuse against both individuals over age 65 and adults with disabilities. This experience propelled me away from pursuing my MSW and toward a counseling career where I would be able to work with clients on a deeper level instead of focusing on more basic needs.

One of my particular areas of interest is death and dying. I completed the RMH Hospice Training and served as an in-home hospice volunteer. In addition, I have given several presentations on grief issues throughout the year. Other clinical interests include spirituality/religion as it impacts the client and the process of psychotherapy, couples counseling and group therapy.

When I conceptualize client issues, I draw from both a psychodynamic and systems model. In keeping with the CSDC's brief therapy model, I have begun to employ more of a solution-focused orientation. I continue to utilize a variety of counseling techniques, depending on what I feel the individual client will respond to, always considering that the counselor/client relationship is a key ingredient in the therapy process.

Ilene Magee, Ph.D.
Training Director, Staff Psychologist

I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, master's degree in Social Work from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, and doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University in Bloomington.

My career in psychology has focused on human interaction, particularly how change occurs by means of the therapeutic relationship and the process of therapy. My work is most influenced by interpersonal process, family systems, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. I have experience providing counseling services to a diverse student population with a wide range of presenting issues, and I am dedicated to multicultural awareness both professionally and personally. I am particularly interested in interpersonal relationships, women's issues, grief and loss, career development, and supervision of professionals in training.

Tom Metzinger, M.Ed.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Coordinator of Group Services
Coordinator of Ed.S. Training

I have been at the CSDC part time from 1988-1991 and full time since then. I received my M.Ed. from JMU in Counselor Education from JMU in 1983 and have been licensed as Professional Counselor since 1993. I first came to the Counseling and Student Development Center to develop and assist with running the group therapy program. This continues to be a primary function of mine. In addition, I coordinate the Educational Specialists Training Program and assist in managing the technology needs of the center. My areas of interest include couples work, ACoA issues, and group therapy.

I am married and my wife and I are always in the process of working on something around our house. When I not doing my own projects, I'm usually fixing something at someone else's house or around the office. My daughter just recently married and continues to attend school, working on a degree in nursing. She is our only child. We enjoy playing golf together.

Andrew Moon, M.A.
Pre-Doctoral Intern

I graduated from The College of William & Mary with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. After leaving Williamsburg, VA I moved to the D.C. Metro area where I worked as a Residential Counselor for adults who were diagnosed with chronic/severe mental illness and as a Case Manager at a homeless shelter. My professional experiences after college are what drove me to make the decision to come back to school for a doctoral degree. I competed my educational training at Loyola University Maryland (formerly Loyola College in Maryland) in Baltimore, MD, receiving my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. I anticipate completing my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in May 2012 from Loyola, as well.

During my time in Baltimore I worked not only in a college counseling center, but also in a community mental health clinic and in a maximum security mental health prison. Despite having varied training experiences, my philosophy on treatment has remained fairly constant. I am focused primarily on building a therapeutic and collaborative relationship in a safe and supportive atmosphere. It is my goal to work with clients to help them towards a better or more productive life, however they see fit. My theoretical orientation tends to be more client-centered, interpersonal, and psychodynamic, but I often pull from other theories including cognitive, behavioral, and family systems. Though I do not have a specific area of specialization, I have a passion for outreach and issues of diversity, in all forms.

David Onestak, Ph.D.
Director

Previously the Director of the Counseling Center at Eastern Illinois University for seven years, I came to JMU in the spring of 2004. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from Penn State in 1987, and I then immediately entered the clinical psychology program at the University of South Carolina. Beginning with my predoctoral internship at the University of Pittsburgh's Counseling & Student Development Center, my professional practice and career have been based exclusively in university counseling centers. After internship, I became a staff psychologist at Georgia Southern University's Counseling Center, where I became licensed psychologist. When a staff psychologist position became available at the University of Pittsburgh, I returned to the site of my internship and stayed there for three years, eventually becoming an Assistant Director.

Neal Rittenhouse, Psy.D.
Staff Psychologist

I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from James Madison University in 2002 and continued my academic career at JMU for the next three years in the Counseling Psychology program, earning Master and Educational Specialist degrees. I completed my Doctorate in Psychology from the Combined-Integrated Doctoral Program in Clinical and School Psychology at JMU in 2009. As a predoctoral intern, I spent one year working at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in White River Junction, Vermont and also at Dartmouth College's Counseling and Human Development center before joining the staff here at the Counseling and Student Development Center.

I have experience providing psychotherapy and psychological assessment services to clients across the life span, who have a range of concerns including: adjustment, unipolar and bipolar mood disorders, relationship difficulties, grief, and trauma. In treatment, I utilize client-centered, psychodynamic, interpersonal process, systems, behavioral, and cognitive behavioral approaches. In general, I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process where clients feel safe to explore and learn about themselves, try new skills, and achieve their goals for change.

Katrina Simpson-McCleary, Psy.D.
Staff Psychologist, Suicide Risk Reduction Coordinator

I received my undergraduate degree from Lycoming College in Pennsylvania double majoring in Psychology and Spanish. The blending of psychology and Spanish nurtured my appreciation for people's stories and diversity of experience. Quality relationships and growth are important to me, both personally and professionally. In regards to my work, this often takes the form of an emphasis on relationships, not only my client's relationships outside of therapy, but also the relationship between the client and I. While I enjoy working with a wide variety of presenting concerns, my areas of special interest include women and men's issues, trauma, and identity development. Tied into my value of quality relationships and growth, supervision and training of future clinicians is a passion of mine. After college, I worked as a sexual assault counselor before enrolling in Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Clinical Doctoral program. While at IUP, I had the opportunity to complete both a practicum & GA at IUP's Counseling Center, and I realized that my place in psychology was in working with undergraduate and graduate students. After receiving my degree in 2008, I returned to IUP as a staff therapist before coming to JMU. I first had the opportunity to live in Virginia, while completing internship at William & Mary's College Counseling Center, & my family & I were very excited by the opportunity to return to Virginia! The multiple parks, recreational opportunities, & great food help Harrisonburg feel like home!

Mykal Stanley, Psy.D.
Staff Psychologist

I grew up in northern West Virginia. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre from Wright State University, Master of Arts in Counseling from West Virginia University, and Doctorate in Psychology from the Combined-Integrated Program in Clinical and School Psychology at James Madison University. As part of my graduate training, I have worked with at-risk adolescents in both out-patient and residential settings, as well as home-based and crisis work with adults and families. In my doctoral training here at JMU, I began working with college students at both JMU's Counseling and Student Development Center and the Counseling Center at Mary Baldwin College. I continued this work during my pre-doctoral internship at West Virginia University's Carruth Center for Psychological and Psychiatric Services.

I am so excited to be back at JMU and look forward to my work with students. Areas of particular interest to me are women's issues, leadership, the importance of beliefs and values, and the process of change. I approach counseling from an integrative frame, with an emphasis on emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems perspectives.

Colleen Tennyson, M.D.
Psychiatrist

I am originally from Ohio and relocated to Virginia in 2003. I completed a B.S. in Biology at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. During college, my volunteer work at the state psychiatric hospital sparked my interest in mental health. I continued studies at The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, and received my M.D. in 2003. I completed my adult psychiatric training at University of Virginia and served as chief resident for the program during my final year.

My training provided exposure to various therapeutic and pharmacologic approaches. I am interested in the interplay of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy and believe that combined treatment is superior to medications alone. This philosophy provides the foundation for my work as I only provide services to students who are actively engaged in counseling at the CSDC. I also recognize the benefits students can receive when medical providers in different specialties collaborate. Thus, I work to maintain a comprehensive treatment approach for each student.

Brenda Zane
Fiscal Manager

I was first employed by JMU in 1984. I earned my B.S. degree from James Madison University in 1995 in Office Systems Management. On June 1, 1998, I joined the Counseling and Student Development Center's staff. As the Fiscal Manager I manage purchasing and the budget. I enjoy working with the staff and students of JMU and welcome the opportunity to assist students in any way I can.

Outside the office, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family and friends.